Advanced Practice Registered Nurse M-F 8H Shift 8:15am-5pm Crisis Services

Claratel Behavioral Health•Decatur, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at the BHCC provides advanced psychiatric and medical care to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises. Working with a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, trauma-informed environment, the APRN evaluates, diagnoses, and manages mental health and co-occurring substance use conditions. The role includes medical oversight, psychopharmacological management, crisis intervention, and coordination of care from admission through discharge. The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults. Its services include a Crisis Services Center for walk-ins, emergency-room transfers, and involuntary referrals; a Temporary Observation Unit for people needing 12–24 hours of observation; and a Crisis Stabilization Unit for longer stabilization or substance withdrawal management, usually lasting 5–7 days. Claratel Behavioral Health is a public, not-for-profit community-based organization serving people with mental health, developmental disability, and substance use needs in DeKalb County, Georgia. The organization operates more than 20 locations and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Candidates must have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, current Georgia APRN licensure with psychiatric/mental health specialty certification (PMHNP-BC), DEA registration, and Georgia prescriptive authority. At least two years of psychiatric clinical experience is required. Crisis or emergency psychiatric care is preferred; experience with serious and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders is strongly preferred.

Requirements

Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program.
Current APRN licensure in Georgia with psychiatric/mental health specialty certification (PMHNP-BC).
DEA registration and prescriptive authority in Georgia.
At least two years of clinical experience in a psychiatric setting.
Clinical expertise in psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and crisis stabilization.
Strong communication, clinical documentation, and organizational skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity setting.
Commitment to recovery-oriented, client-centered, and trauma-informed care.
Proficiency with electronic medical records.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.
Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

Crisis or emergency psychiatric care experience is preferred.
Experience working with individuals with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and co-occurring disorders is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive psychiatric assessments, including history, mental status examinations, suicide risk assessments, and differential diagnosis.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans with clients and the treatment team.
Conduct medical screenings and physical examinations to determine medical stability for admission to Temporary Observation or Crisis Stabilization.
Order and interpret diagnostic tests and laboratory work, initiate medical treatment, or make referrals as needed.
Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications in accordance with best practices and agency protocols.
Monitor medication responses and adjust regimens as needed.
Educate clients and families about diagnoses, medications, side effects, and self-management strategies.
Document clinical interventions, progress notes, and treatment plans accurately and promptly in the electronic health record.
Provide immediate psychiatric support during behavioral health emergencies at the BHCC.
Participate in and support de-escalation, including serving as a clinical lead during crises.
Collaborate with the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) and other clinical staff to promote safe, therapeutic outcomes.
Assess risk factors and participate in safety planning, discharge planning, and referrals for continuing care.
Lead interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, case managers, peer specialists, and support staff to coordinate care.
Communicate with family members, external providers, and agencies to support continuity of care and community reintegration.
Consult with the Medical Director and/or supervising physician as needed, in accordance with scope of practice and the collaborative agreement.
Maintain required Georgia APRN licensure and certifications.
Follow legal, ethical, and regulatory standards, including HIPAA, OSHA, DBHDD regulations, and agency policies.
Participate in internal audits, quality assurance, and performance improvement initiatives.
Engage in continuing education and professional development relevant to psychiatric practice and crisis stabilization.